Where you just left holding an unexpected $300 service bill? Maybe your unit just stopped blowing cold air or froze into a block of ice and you discovered that you are low on Freon or refrigerant. Did a
call to your local San Diego HVAC tech reveal that you need a leak repair and recharge? A repair costs that’ll likely run you in the hundreds? Don’t remember Freon being so expensive the last time you needed a repair? That’s because it wasn’t!
Freon or refrigerant has skyrocketed in price over the last couple of years? Do not think you are being taken for a fool by your
HVAC contractor. There is a reason that Freon has become so expensive and you are about to learn about it.
Terrible Environmental Impact
For years and years, the
heating and industry relied on
R-22 refrigerant. This substance was used to facilitate the heat transfer that was necessary for cooling for your home and the cool transfer that was necessary for heating your home in the winter. There was a time when this substance was easy t produce and even more effective. It is still effective at its job. The problem is that it has been revealed the substance is extremely volatile, which is having hugely negative impacts on the environment. More and more studies are being conducted on the substance and it’s being revealed that it’s contributing to global warming because of its ability to deplete the ozone layer
This is why the EPA has ordered the substance to be phased out. This was actually something that started years ago but is just now being put into effect. Nearly thirty years ago, the substance was declared harmful to the environment. It wasn’t until right around 2010 that the phase-out stage started. It is now that the substance is in a full-fledged ban. What exactly does this mean? It means that no new heating and air units are being manufactured that use the substance. R-22 itself is no longer being manufactured either. As you can imagine, this would raise the price of anything.
An Increase In Demand, A Drop In Supply
Just because
R-22 is no longer being manufactured it doesn’t mean that there is less of a need for it. There is just as much need for the substance as there has ever been before. As you can imagine, this has greatly risen the demand for the substance. This is another reason that the gas has become so ridiculously priced. Combine this with all the restrictions associated with handling the substance, and the high prices should be more than easy to understand.
Since R-22 is no longer being made but people are still using it, this left the industry in a conundrum. Something had to be done. This lead to reclaiming. Most of the R-22 refrigerant that is bought and sold today is reclaimed refrigerant. This means that it has been run through a filtration system. The substance has been chemically broken down and reclaimed back to its natural state. Unfortunately, this hasn’t done anything for the price. Just because the Freon you are buying today is reclaimed Freon, it doesn’t mean that you’ll get a discount on it.
You’ll still pay top dollar for the substance. On top of this, finding a way to buy the refrigerant has grown near impossible. This is unless, of course, you have an EPA licensed or access to someone that does. Heck, it is even hard for people with EPA certifications to buy the substance. The alone double the overhead cost of the substance for most retailers.
The Effects On Your Home
There will come a time when the demand for R-22 will be completely gone, but it will be a long time coming. So, what is one to do if they require the substance, but don’t want to foot the bill? The first option available is to scout the Internet. You’ll find various providers on the Internet offering the substance. You might still not come out cheap, but you’ll likely come off cheaper than if you shopped retail. In addition to this, you won’t need an EPA license to buy the substance.
Another option that homeowners have is upgrading. They can upgrade to the new Freon, which is supposed to have less of a negative impact on the environment. This substance is known as R410-A. It runs at double the pressures as compared to R-22, which means that it is not only more environmentally friendly, but it’s more effective. All the new units you see that boast major energy efficiency ratings come installed with this new substance. And, this new substance is a major contributor to the energy savings homeowners experience when partaking.
The cost of replacing your unit entirely might seem like a huge investment and it is, but it is entirely possible that it could save you some money in the long run. The unit might even end up paying for itself over several years. This is something that your local
San Diego HVAC contractor can help you with.
Get in touch with a contractor and have them go over a price savings prediction chart with you. This should be a problem for the most reputable providers. This should be something that they’ll suggest. Just something to keep an eye out for when choosing a service provider.
When choosing a service provider in
San Diego, you’ll want to make sure you take the time to survey the companies you are considering. Make sure they are willing to go the extra mile for you, your home, and your family.
Why Hire Us!
When residential and commercial heating and air conditioning malfunction, the problem often lies within the pressurized refrigerant system.
Our skilled HVAC NATE-certified technicians work extended schedules to deliver the best services to the residents and businesses of San Diego.
Our same-day and emergency
HVAC services address all problems, including low freon levels. When your air conditioning system is not generating cold air, the problem could be a refrigerant leak.
